Hazardous substances in fresh and marine water can harm aquatic life and pose a risk to human health, according to a new report published today by the European Environment Agency (EEA). The report notes that while European legislation to address the issue is relatively strong, new challenges exist including ‘emerging pollutants’ where potential effects are not yet fully understood. More effort is also needed to ensure that chemicals are produced and used more sustainably.

The Convention for the Protection of the Mediterranean Sea Against Pollution (the Barcelona Convention) was adopted on 16 February 1976 by the Conference of Plenipotentiaries of the Coastal States of the Mediterranean Region for the Protection of the Mediterranean Sea, held in Barcelona.

The map shows the location of the water quality monitoring stations reported by EEA member countries via WISE SoE reporting. The purpose is to provide an overview of the spatial distribution and density of monitoring stations per water body category: rivers (including canals), lakes (including reservoirs), groundwater, and transitional, coastal and marine waters. The map displays all stations ever reported since 1992, so not all are currently active.